Leather is one of the most durable and low-maintenance materials. That’s why leather sofas are such a great investment! Keeping your leather sofa, armchair, or ottoman clean is relatively straightforward. However, everything we use frequently needs a bit of care and love to keep up the good looks. Plus, accidents happen, and besides the regular cleaning and upkeep, things can get a bit more complicated when you have to deal with stubborn stains.

So, how do you ensure your leather furniture looks as good as new no matter what disasters storm over it?

1. Vacuum First, Wipe Later!

Even though leather is a sturdy material, it’s porous and absorbs oils and dust. That’s why it’s important to get rid of dry dust and grime before anything else. When dust gets mixed with a cleaning solution or water, the cleaning can simply push it more deeply into the material! So, always use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment (hard one could scratch the leather) to eliminate dry dirt. Make sure you don’t miss all the intricate folds and crevices, especially if you have a recliner sofa with more complex construction.

2. Vinegar & Olive Oil Solution for Deeper Cleaning

On a regular basis, it’s enough to wipe the sofa with a dry cloth (preferably microfiber), it will collect the dust and any small smudges. For deeper cleaning, you can make your own money-saving solution! Mix together vinegar and olive oil in 1:1 ratio.

You can mix it in a small container or - better yet - put it in a spray bottle. The liquids have different consistencies so they will separate if left standing, so mix again or shake the bottle before every application! The vinegar gently cleans the material and the olive oil breaks up the stains while giving the leather a good oily nurture. To give your cleaner a nicer scent you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil!

3. Baking Soda or Cornstarch Against Oily Disasters

Oily stains are inevitable, especially if you are used to munching the goodies in the cozy comfort of your couch. When such disaster happens, it’s best to act fast to avoid permanent staining.

Many people automatically reach for a wet cloth. However, water will actually help the oil to get deeper inside. So, forget about water! Instead, reach for a product that is handy, cheap, and natural - baking soda. Baking soda can do wonders on any stains greasy in nature. Simply sprinkle some baking soda on the stain and let it do its magic for a few of hours. If the stain is fresh, baking soda will absorb all the oil. Unfortunately, very old oil stains will require a professional cleaning.

4. Alcohol or Nail Polish to Fight Ink Stains

An ink stain on your sofa can be an unfortunate accident or an artwork of your creative offspring. It happens to all of us. But don’t worry, even though ink stains look menacing, the case is not lost! You can use alcohol or a nail polish and remove the stain fairly easily.

If the stain is fresh, first dab the affected area with a dry paper towel to remove any excess ink and save yourself a bit of work. Next, before treating the stain, apply the alcohol or nail polish on a hidden area. Strong concentration can cause discoloration. If this is the case, simply mix the solution with a bit of water. Better be safe than sorry. Rubbing alcohol is also good at removing mold and mildew!

5. Lemon Therapy for Stubborn Stains

Mixing a bit of fresh lemon juice with cream of tartar is the perfect treatment for stains that just won’t budge! Blend together equal quantities of both ingredients and create a paste, it will have a soft bleaching effect that will lift the stain. Apply the solution to the spot and let it sit at least half an hour. After, use a slightly wet sponge or cloth to wipe it off. After all, is done, use the oil-vinegar solution or a leather conditioner to keep the leather healthy and shiny!

About the authorKatie Porter is an aspiring writer, movie lover, and part of the team at Seatup. In her free time, she enjoys exploring her home state Colorado and plays in women's amateur rugby league.